The Inequality of Flexibility Workers in the UK Retail Industry

This paper examines the phenomenon of occupational gender segregation in the retail industry, with a particular focus on part time working. The empirical data was gathered through a series of 59 interviews, and a small survey of employees, with store level managers in three UK retail organisations. The paper illustrates the extent of occupational gender segregation and considers the impact of such stereotyping on the gender pay gap, training and career development.

Occupational gender segregation, both vertical and horizontal, is prevalent in the industry (Broadbridge 1995; Craig and Wilkinson 1985; Dawson et al 1987; Freathy 1993; Sparks 1991), and this paper illustrates how line managers consciously perpetuate gender segregation. The research found that managers’ negative views of female part time workers detrimentally impacted on opportunities of selection, development and progression, resulting in women being particularly disadvantaged in terms of pay, training, and career development. As a result such perceptions played an important role in determining the occupation, pay and position of female workers in the retail industry.